The silence felt heavier than the battle itself.
Lars stood frozen, his fist still extended where the blow had landed. The air trembled faintly, as though the forest itself was trying to settle after the sudden burst of violence. Leaves drifted down slowly, shaken loose from the shattered trees behind the fallen wolf.
He lowered his arm.
His hand trembled.
"What… was that?" he whispered.
The wolf lay motionless several steps away, its scarred body twisted against the earth. No breath. No movement. Only stillness.
He had done that.
A moment ago, he had been hiding behind a tree, terrified and helpless. Now, a creature that looked strong enough to tear him apart lay defeated by his own hands.
Lars stared at his fist.
There was nothing there. No glow. No energy. Just his hand — smaller, younger, unfamiliar.
Yet he remembered it clearly.
The gathering sensation.
The invisible current.
The way time itself seemed to slow.
And those faint, glowing points on the wolf's body.
It hadn't felt like luck.
It had felt… natural.
As though his body already knew what to do.
His knees suddenly weakened, and he staggered back a step, catching himself against a tree. The adrenaline that had carried him through the fight began to fade, leaving behind a wave of exhaustion.
His breathing grew heavier.
Every muscle in his body ached, as if he had lifted something far beyond his strength.
"…So this is the cost," he murmured.
The forest remained quiet, but it was no longer the peaceful silence from earlier. It felt watchful now, cautious, as though other unseen eyes might be observing the aftermath.
Lars glanced at the wolf again.
Up close, the creature looked even more imposing. Its fur was coarse and matted with old scars. Some cuts had healed long ago; others looked more recent. This beast had fought many battles and survived them all — until now.
A pang of guilt stirred in his chest.
It had only been hunting to survive.
Just like him.
He crouched carefully beside the fallen wolf, studying it. The faint glow he had seen during the battle was gone now. No energy points. No strange vision. Just a lifeless body.
"Was that… magic?" he wondered aloud.
The word felt unfamiliar on his tongue, like something from childhood stories. In his previous life, magic had only existed in books and legends.
But here…
Here, it might be real.
His thoughts drifted back to the cave. The strange sensation in the air. The invisible boundary in the forest. The voice inside him telling him to fight.
None of it could be coincidence.
This world was different.
And so was he.
Lars exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stand. If this was truly a new world, then survival meant learning its rules — quickly.
His eyes drifted back to the wolf.
Food.
Clothing.
Materials.
In stories, adventurers often used what they hunted.
He swallowed, unsure.
In his previous life, he had never needed to think about such things. Meals appeared prepared. Clothes were tailored. Servants handled the unpleasant work.
But those days were gone.
There was no estate here.
No servants.
No family.
Only him.
And this world.
"…I guess I don't have the luxury of being gentle anymore," he said quietly.
Still, his expression softened.
"But I can still choose who I become."
With renewed determination, Lars knelt beside the wolf, preparing to do what he must to survive.
His new life had begun with blood.
Now, he would decide what came next.
Lars' breath grew heavier with each passing second.
The rush from the battle faded quickly, leaving behind only exhaustion and a dull ache in every muscle. His vision wavered as he tried to steady himself beside the fallen wolf.
Then he heard it.
Footsteps.
Multiple.
Branches shifting. Leaves rustling. Something — no, someone — was approaching.
Fear returned instantly.
He wasn't sure he could fight again. His body felt drained, hollow, like whatever strength had carried him through the battle had been completely spent.
He tried to stand.
His legs failed him.
The world tilted, and he collapsed onto the forest floor. The sounds around him grew distant, muffled, as though submerged underwater.
A voice reached him — faint and blurred.
A woman's voice.
It sounded like she was calling out to others.
But the words made no sense to him.
His vision darkened.
And Lars lost consciousness.
⸻
Moments later, the undergrowth parted.
A group of four figures stepped into the clearing, moving with practiced awareness. Their gear marked them clearly as hunters or combatants — not travelers.
At the front stood two heavily armored men.
The first was tall and broad-shouldered, clad in white and gold armor polished to a soft shine. His posture was straight, disciplined — the bearing of a seasoned knight.
His name was Gallant, age thirty-five.
Beside him stood another knight, equally imposing but far more rugged in appearance. His armor was obsidian black trimmed with gold, its surface worn from countless battles. His build was thick and powerful, his presence heavy like a moving wall.
This was Osbin, age thirty-one.
Behind them walked a much slimmer young man, carrying a long staff. His robes were colored in deep purple and yellow, patterned with subtle arcane markings. His sharp eyes moved constantly, analyzing the surroundings.
Tobi, age twenty-three.
A mage.
Moving almost silently along the outer edge of the group was a woman dressed in the lightest gear of them all. Her attire was built for speed and stealth, close-fitting and practical, allowing free movement through dense terrain.
Her name was Rin, age twenty-five.
The group's scout.
She was the one who had first sensed the disturbance.
They stepped into the clearing — and immediately slowed.
The forest floor was scarred. Trees had been torn apart as though struck by a violent force. The damage stretched in a straight line, cutting through the wilderness like the wake of an explosion.
Gallant's brows furrowed.
"…This is where it happened."
Osbin grunted. "We felt that impact from over a mile away. Thought it was a landslide or something."
Tobi adjusted his grip on the staff, eyes wide. "No landslide does this."
Rin crouched near the ground, examining the disturbed earth. "Something fought here."
Her gaze lifted.
And landed on the wolf.
The massive beast lay lifeless a short distance away, its body twisted unnaturally. Even in death, it looked dangerous.
Osbin let out a low whistle. "That's a feral gray. Nasty things. Takes a whole squad to bring one down cleanly."
Gallant stepped closer, studying the corpse. "No signs of arrows. No blade wounds either."
Tobi's eyes narrowed. "Then what killed it?"
Before anyone could answer, Rin suddenly spoke.
"…Over there."
The others followed her gaze.
Not far from the wolf, lying in the grass, was a small figure dressed in crude clothing made from leaves and vines.
A boy.
Unconscious.
The group froze.
Osbin blinked. "You're kidding me."
Gallant's expression hardened with concern. He approached cautiously, kneeling beside Lars. The boy's breathing was faint but steady.
"…He's alive."
Tobi stepped closer, disbelief written across his face. "What is a kid doing out here? This zone isn't safe even for trained adventurers."
Rin crossed her arms, scanning the surroundings again. "And he's alone."
Osbin glanced between the boy and the dead wolf. "You don't think…"
Tobi shook his head immediately. "Impossible. That beast would tear him apart in seconds."
Gallant stood slowly, eyes drifting from Lars… to the massive scar in the forest behind the wolf.
The destruction stretched far beyond the clearing, trees splintered as though struck by a violent shockwave.
"…Then who," Gallant murmured, "did this?"
The question hung in the air.
Because whoever had caused that damage…
Was nowhere to be seen.
And the only one left in the clearing—
Was the unconscious boy at their feet.
The group stood in uneasy silence, eyes shifting between the fallen wolf, the scarred forest, and the unconscious boy.
Nothing about the scene made sense.
Osbin scratched the side of his helmet. "Alright… someone explain this to me. Because I'm not seeing it."
Tobi adjusted his grip on his staff, brows knit in concentration. "That feral gray is no ordinary beast. Even seasoned adventurers avoid them alone. It takes coordinated squads to bring one down."
Gallant crossed his arms, gaze fixed on the damage behind the corpse. "And yet something struck it hard enough to cause… this."
His eyes followed the trail of destruction. Trees had been ripped apart in a straight line, the forest floor gouged like the path of a raging storm.
Osbin let out a low grunt. "Whatever did that had to be powerful. Real powerful."
Tobi nodded slowly. "Only high-tier adventurers could manage something like this. S-rank, maybe."
At the mention of that rank, the group grew quieter.
Rin, still crouched beside the unconscious boy, listened as she carefully examined him.
"The problem," Gallant continued, "is that this section of the forest is restricted. Only S-rank guilds are permitted access this deep. And there are barely a handful of those in the entire Kingdom of Solaris."
Osbin glanced around again. "And I don't see any of them here."
Tobi shook his head. "No camp. No tracks from a large party. No magical residue strong enough to suggest a spellcaster of that level."
"Which means," Osbin muttered, "either someone incredibly strong passed through here without a trace…"
"Or something else happened," Gallant finished.
Rin remained silent, her attention focused on the boy.
She gently turned his arm, checking for wounds.
"…Strange."
Gallant looked over. "What is it?"
"He's barely injured," she said. "Just a few small scrapes. Nothing serious."
Osbin frowned. "That can't be right. A kid out here without armor or gear should be torn apart."
Rin studied Lars more closely. His skin was mostly unmarked, aside from minor scratches. His clothing — if it could even be called that — was nothing more than vines and layered leaves.
Who was he?
A runaway?
A lost traveler?
A noble's son, perhaps?
His features were refined enough to suggest noble blood, but that only deepened the mystery.
If he's from a noble family… how did he get in here? she wondered.
This forest wasn't something one simply wandered into. Every known entrance was guarded. Checkpoints monitored who came and went. No one entered without proper authorization — especially not a child dressed like this.
Unless…
He hadn't used the entrances at all.
Rin's eyes drifted back toward the cave-lined cliffs in the distance.
A possibility formed in her thoughts, but she said nothing yet.
Instead, she stood and faced the others.
"We should take him back to Solaris," she said firmly.
Osbin raised a brow. "You serious?"
She nodded. "Someone in the capital might recognize him. If he's from a noble house, they'll know who he is."
Tobi folded his arms thoughtfully. "And if he's not?"
"Then at the very least," Rin replied, "we make sure he's safe. He doesn't belong in this forest."
Gallant studied the boy for a moment longer before nodding. "She's right. Leaving him here isn't an option."
Osbin sighed. "Figures. Just when the job was getting simple."
But there was no real resistance in his voice.
Gallant stepped forward. "We'll carry him back. Stay alert. Whatever caused this damage could still be nearby."
The group nodded in agreement.
Unaware of the truth.
That the mysterious force they feared…
Was the unconscious boy they were now carrying toward the Kingdom of Solaris.
Far beyond the dense forests and ancient ruins lay the Kingdom of Solaris, a land known across the continent as the Kingdom of the Sun.
True to its name, Solaris was a realm blessed with long, radiant days. Sunlight lingered over its fields and cities longer than in most neighboring kingdoms, and its people believed this was no coincidence. Many claimed the land itself was favored by the heavens, its soil rich, its rivers generous, and its harvests plentiful.
From golden wheat fields to sprawling vineyards, agriculture thrived beneath the endless daylight. Farmers worked fertile lands that yielded abundance year after year, and the prosperity of the countryside flowed steadily into the kingdom's cities and markets.
Solaris was not only a land of farmers, but of opportunity.
Merchants from distant nations often traveled to its capital, drawn by stories of open trade, growing wealth, and a society where even those of humble birth could rise through effort and ambition. The kingdom encouraged immigration, offering incentives to traders, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs willing to contribute to its growth.
Nobles lived in luxury, but they were not the only ones who prospered. From the highest aristocrat to the most modest farmer, Solaris was known as a land where each class could find its own form of success.
At the heart of the kingdom ruled King Sylvester, a monarch respected for both his wisdom and stability. By his side, until her passing years ago, had stood Queen Emerith, whose gentle influence was still fondly remembered by the people.
Their only child, Princess Emilia, now carried the hopes of the royal line. Though still young, she was widely admired throughout the kingdom, her presence seen as a symbol of Solaris' bright future.
But beyond its fertile lands and noble courts, Solaris was also a kingdom of strength.
In a world where danger lurked beyond city walls, power often determined survival. And within Solaris, the greatest symbols of that power were its four S-Rank Guilds.
These guilds were not merely groups of adventurers. They were legends, institutions, and sometimes even political forces in their own right.
⸻
The Four S-Rank Guilds of Solaris
Crimson Flare Guild
The most famous of all.
Crimson Flare was known across nations, not just within Solaris. Its members held countless accomplishments, many considered heroes in their own right. Tales of their victories spread far beyond the kingdom's borders, making them the most prestigious guild to join.
Cosmos Guild
A guild devoted to magic above all else.
Cosmos was renowned for its overwhelming magical prowess. Its halls were filled with some of the most talented spellcasters in the kingdom, and many young mages dreamed of one day earning a place among them.
Enigma Guild
Quiet. Elegant. Calculated.
Unlike the others, Enigma operated mostly behind the scenes. Their members were known for precision, intelligence, and subtle influence. Many nobles sought entry into Enigma, believing membership granted not only power, but political advantage and prestige.
Wilds Guild
Masters of the untamed world.
The Wilds Guild was made up of elite hunters, trackers, and survivalists. They excelled in dangerous expeditions, monster hunts, and resource gathering in harsh environments. Their methods were often unconventional, but their results were undeniable.
⸻
Together, these four guilds formed the backbone of Solaris' strength beyond its borders. Where the sun nurtured the land, these guilds protected it.
And it was toward this kingdom — bright, prosperous, and full of opportunity — that the unconscious boy named Lars was now being carried.
Unaware that his arrival would soon disturb the balance of the sun-blessed realm.
Sunlight filtered through the forest canopy as the group moved steadily along a narrow trail. The dense wilderness had thinned into more manageable terrain, the air lighter, the atmosphere less oppressive than the deeper parts of the forest.
Osbin carried Lars over one shoulder with surprising ease, as though the unconscious boy weighed no more than a sack of grain.
Still, the group's pace was careful.
The forest, even this close to the kingdom's outer routes, was never entirely safe.
"…I'm telling you," Osbin muttered, adjusting his grip, "he's probably some noble brat who thought it'd be fun to sneak into the forest."
Tobi glanced over. "You think a noble child would wander in here without gear? No guards, no weapons, no proper clothing?"
Osbin shrugged. "Arrogance makes people stupid."
Rin shot him a sharp look. "That doesn't explain anything."
The others turned toward her.
She continued, her voice firm. "He wasn't just unprepared. He was practically naked. No armor, no pack, no blade, no bow. Nothing."
Gallant nodded slowly. "And yet he's alive."
Tobi frowned. "In a zone restricted even to high-ranking adventurers."
Rin crossed her arms. "Exactly. And don't forget where we found him."
Osbin glanced at the memory of the clearing. "…Right. Next to a dead feral gray."
"And a forest torn apart like a siege spell hit it," Tobi added.
The group fell into uneasy silence.
None of their theories made sense.
If he was a noble, how did he get in without passing a checkpoint?
If he was a commoner, how had he survived?
If he was just a lost child…
Then who killed the wolf?
Rin's eyes drifted toward the boy on Osbin's shoulder. His white hair caught the sunlight, and even beneath the crude leaf-and-vine clothing, his features looked refined.
He doesn't look like a commoner, she thought.
But he doesn't look like someone who belongs in that forest either.
Osbin let out a quiet sigh. "Still think he's trouble."
Rin shook her head. "No. I think he's a mystery."
⸻
Lars' eyes were closed.
But he was no longer unconscious.
Consciousness had returned slowly — first as distant sound, then as sensation, and finally as awareness. The rhythmic motion of being carried. The warmth of sunlight on his skin. The muffled voices of strangers speaking above him.
He forced himself not to react.
Not to move.
Not to open his eyes.
Where am I…?
Fear crept into his chest.
He had been in the forest. Then the wolf. Then the exhaustion. And now—
Strangers.
Did they kidnap me?
Are they dangerous?
He focused on his breathing, keeping it slow and steady, pretending to remain unconscious. Every word they spoke felt important.
He needed information.
He listened carefully as they discussed him — his clothing, the forest, the wolf. Their confusion sounded genuine. None of them seemed to understand how he had survived.
That gave him a small measure of relief.
If they didn't know what happened…
Then they weren't the ones who attacked him.
Still, caution felt safer than trust.
His thoughts raced through possibilities.
Should I run the moment they put me down?
Pretend I lost my memory?
Tell them the truth?
Too many options.
Not enough answers.
So he did the only thing he could for now.
He listened.
And waited.
The forest path gradually widened as the group continued their journey. The deeper, more oppressive shadows of the restricted zone had faded behind them, replaced by gentler terrain where sunlight filtered freely between the trees. The air here felt lighter, and the sounds of birds and insects slowly returned.
Osbin shifted Lars' weight on his shoulder. "He's lighter than he looks. Doesn't even feel like he's eaten properly in days."
"That's not surprising," Tobi replied. "If he really was alone out there, he'd be lucky to survive even a few hours, let alone a whole night."
Rin walked ahead of them, scanning the path and the surrounding brush with practiced eyes. Even in calmer territory, she never let her guard down.
Gallant, bringing up the rear, finally spoke. "Guild Master Raiyo isn't going to like this."
Osbin gave a dry chuckle. "That's putting it lightly. We were sent out to collect materials from frost-backs and iron tusks, not bring back stray children."
Tobi tilted his head. "Still, the disturbance we felt… it was too large to ignore. If we'd reported back without checking it out, the Guild Master would've scolded us anyway."
"True enough," Osbin muttered.
Rin slowed her pace slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "What do you think he'll do about the boy?"
Gallant considered the question. "Hard to say. Raiyo doesn't ignore mysteries, especially ones that smell like danger. If he thinks the boy is connected to whatever caused that destruction, he'll want answers himself."
Osbin grunted. "Meaning he'll either interrogate the kid personally… or toss the problem to the Adventurers Association."
At the mention of the Association, Tobi nodded. "That would be the proper procedure."
Rin glanced back at him. "You think they'll take him?"
"They take everything," Tobi replied calmly. "That's their role."
⸻
On Osbin's shoulder, Lars listened carefully, keeping his eyes shut and his breathing slow.
Every word they spoke felt important.
Guild Master…? Adventurers Association…?
These were terms he had never heard before. In his previous life, the structure of society had been simple — nobles, servants, merchants, soldiers. Everything revolved around the estate, the court, and the power of bloodlines.
But this world sounded… different.
More organized.
More dangerous.
Osbin continued. "Remind me again why the Association even exists. Half the time they just complicate things."
Tobi adjusted his staff as he walked. "Because without them, every guild and kingdom would be stepping on each other's toes. They keep things balanced."
Rin nodded slightly. "They handle the paperwork too. Which is reason enough for me to appreciate them."
Osbin snorted. "You just don't like filling out reports."
"That's because you write like a drunken chicken," she shot back.
Gallant let out a quiet sigh. "Focus, you two."
Tobi cleared his throat. "The Adventurers Association oversees all quest-related activity. From minor errands to major expeditions. They investigate incidents, assign missions, and distribute rewards."
"And ranks," Gallant added. "Both for individuals and guilds."
"They're not tied to just one kingdom either," Tobi continued. "They operate across multiple nations. Information flows between them constantly. If there's a monster outbreak in one region, or a rare resource discovered in another, they're the ones who coordinate responses."
Osbin shook his head. "Too much structure for my taste. Back in the old days, hunters just handled things themselves."
"And caused half the disasters the Association now has to clean up," Rin replied calmly.
Osbin opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again with a grunt.
⸻
Lars absorbed everything he could.
Guilds… ranks… quests…
It sounded almost like the adventure stories he had read as a child — tales of heroes forming parties, slaying monsters, and earning fame.
But here, it wasn't fiction.
It was reality.
And more importantly—
There were other humans.
A strange sense of relief filled him.
When he first woke in the cave, surrounded by unfamiliar sensations and glowing insects, a small fear had taken root in his heart. What if this world wasn't like his own? What if there were no people at all?
But these four were clearly human. They spoke, argued, joked, and reasoned just like anyone from his old life.
It made the world feel less alien.
Less lonely.
Still… confusion lingered.
What are guilds, exactly? he wondered.
From what he could gather, they were groups of adventurers — organized teams who took on dangerous tasks. They hunted monsters, gathered materials, and explored dangerous areas.
And the four carrying him…
Were part of one of these guilds.
Osbin continued, "So if the Guild Master doesn't want to deal with this, he'll just hand the boy off to the Association?"
Gallant nodded. "Most likely. Especially if he turns out to be someone important."
Rin glanced back at Lars again. "He still looks like he could be from a noble house."
Tobi studied the boy thoughtfully. "Possibly. His features are refined, and that white hair isn't common around here."
Osbin shrugged. "Could just be some weird forest mutation."
Rin gave him another sharp look. "You're insufferable."
He grinned. "And yet you still travel with me."
She rolled her eyes but didn't respond.
⸻
Lars listened quietly, mind racing.
Noble house…?
If they thought he was a noble, that might work in his favor. Nobles were treated with respect. Protected. Given resources.
But that also came with expectations… and questions.
Questions he couldn't answer.
He had no name in this world.
No family.
No proof of anything.
Just memories of a life that no longer existed.
What should I do when I wake up? he wondered.
Pretend to be confused?
Tell them the truth?
Make up a story?
None of the options felt safe.
So he stayed still.
And listened.
For now, information was his greatest weapon.
And every word they spoke was a step closer to understanding this new world he had been reborn into.
The forest gradually thinned as the group continued forward.
Dense undergrowth gave way to clearer terrain, and the oppressive shadows of the deeper woods faded behind them. Sunlight spilled more freely across the path, warming the earth and bringing with it the gentle sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
Osbin glanced around, brows furrowed beneath his helmet.
"…Strange."
Tobi looked over. "What is?"
"We should've run into at least two or three beasts by now," Osbin said. "This stretch usually crawls with them. Especially near the outer zones."
Rin, walking ahead of the group, slowed slightly. "They're probably gone."
Osbin raised a brow. "Gone? Just like that?"
She nodded. "Think about what happened back there. That explosion of force… the shockwave tore through a good portion of the forest. Creatures rely on instinct more than anything. If something that powerful suddenly appears, they'll run."
Tobi nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. To them, it probably felt like a top-tier predator had entered the area."
Osbin grunted. "Still… I've never seen them clear out that fast."
Gallant spoke calmly from behind. "Fear travels faster than reason. Especially in the wild."
The group continued forward, the ground beneath their feet slowly changing from soft forest soil to a more compacted path. After a few more minutes, the trees parted enough to reveal a clear trail — wide, worn, and unmistakably used for years.
The earth here was firm and smooth, shaped by countless footsteps, wagon wheels, and mounted travelers.
Rin crouched briefly, running her fingers along the ground. "Main trail."
Tobi smiled faintly. "Which means we're close."
Osbin let out a relieved breath. "Good. I'm ready for a proper meal."
The trees finally opened completely.
And beyond them, in the distance, stood the Kingdom of Solaris.
Golden sunlight reflected off pale stone walls and tall towers. The capital rose proudly against the horizon, its structures glowing softly under the long daylight that blessed the land. Fields stretched around the outer edges of the kingdom, their crops swaying gently in the warm breeze.
Even from afar, the city looked alive.
Bustling. Prosperous. Bright.
⸻
On Osbin's shoulder, Lars felt the change immediately.
The air was different.
Lighter.
Warmer.
The oppressive tension of the forest had vanished, replaced by something calmer — more structured, more human.
He could hear distant sounds now. Not the wild calls of beasts, but faint echoes of civilization: wagon wheels, voices carried on the wind, the distant clatter of life.
They had left the forest.
Relief washed over him.
So there really are people here…
His curiosity began to outweigh his fear. He had listened long enough. Gathered what information he could. But now—
He wanted to see it for himself.
The new world.
The kingdom they spoke of.
The place he might have to live.
Lars carefully adjusted his breathing, letting it become uneven — as if consciousness were returning. He shifted slightly, letting a small movement travel through his limbs.
Osbin noticed immediately.
"Hey," he muttered. "The kid's stirring."
Rin turned around. "Already?"
Gallant stepped closer. "Set him down gently."
Osbin lowered Lars to the ground, propping him carefully against a nearby rock along the roadside.
Lars slowly opened his eyes.
Sunlight greeted him first — warm and bright. He blinked, adjusting to the light, before shapes came into focus.
Four strangers stood around him.
Armored. Armed. Watching him closely.
For the first time since waking in this world…
He was face to face with its people.
Lars blinked slowly, letting his vision adjust to the sunlight. The warmth felt different from the dim, cool shadows of the forest. The air carried the scent of earth, crops, and something distant—smoke from cooking fires, perhaps.
Then he realized he was not alone.
Four figures stood around him.
He looked at them one by one, studying their appearances carefully.
The first was the man kneeling closest to him.
He was large—broad-shouldered and solid, like a wall of steel. His armor gleamed in white and gold, polished and noble in appearance. It reminded Lars immediately of the knights from the fairytale books he had read as a child—honorable warriors clad in shining armor, symbols of justice and protection.
His face was clean-shaven, sharp yet calm. Golden hair framed his head, neatly kept, and his eyes—striking red—watched Lars with steady focus. His skin was pale, almost porcelain-like, giving him an almost heroic presence.
He looks like a storybook knight, Lars thought.
This had to be Gallant.
Next, his gaze shifted to the man standing behind him.
This one felt entirely different.
Osbin's face was rugged, worn by time and battle. A thick black beard framed his jaw, and his hair was just as dark and unkempt. His skin was light brown, weathered by sun and hardship. A long, jagged scar ran near his eye, evidence of battles he had barely survived.
His armor matched him—obsidian black, trimmed with gold, but far less polished than Gallant's. Spikes protruded from its surface, and dents and scratches marked it like badges of honor.
He didn't look like a knight from a fairytale.
He looked like a man who had lived through war.
He's the type who wouldn't hesitate to get his hands dirty, Lars thought.
Then his eyes moved to the third man.
Tobi.
He looked younger than his age, with a soft, almost childlike face. His brown hair was neatly kept, and he wore round glasses that gave him a scholarly appearance. There was nothing intimidating about him at first glance.
His clothing, however, was unusual—oversized robes in deep purple and yellow, decorated with faint arcane patterns. They hung loosely on his frame, giving him a conservative, almost reserved look.
In his hands rested a long staff, taller than himself. It looked as though it had been carved from ancient tree bark, twisted and gnarled with age. At its upper center sat a polished purple gemstone that glowed faintly in the sunlight.
He must be a mage, Lars concluded.
Finally, his eyes landed on the woman.
Rin.
She stood lightly on her feet, posture relaxed but alert, as though ready to move at any moment. Her clothing was minimal compared to the others—lightweight, gray, and designed for speed rather than protection. It reminded Lars of the stealthy warriors from the stories he had read—silent, precise, and quick as shadows.
Her dark bluish hair was tied into a single ponytail, and her brown eyes were bright and expressive. There was something lively about her presence—vibrant, almost bubbly compared to the others.
She looked older than him.
Even compared to his previous life, she gave off the impression of an older sister—someone dependable, yet warm.
Lars slowly looked away from the group, turning his gaze outward.
The forest behind them had thinned into open land. A well-worn road stretched into the distance, leading toward the kingdom they had spoken about.
And there it was.
The castle rose proudly on the horizon, its pale walls glowing under the long daylight. Towers stretched toward the sky, and the surrounding city spread outward like a living tapestry of rooftops and streets.
Fields of green and gold surrounded the capital, swaying gently in the breeze. Wagons moved along distant roads. People could be seen as tiny figures going about their daily lives.
It was the first true sight of civilization he had seen since awakening in this world.
A new kingdom.
A new life.
A new beginning.
Lars took a quiet breath, his eyes reflecting the sunlight as he stared at the distant castle.
This was the world he now belonged to.
Lars slowly turned his gaze from the four strangers back toward the horizon.
The castle stood tall in the distance, bathed in golden sunlight. Its towers reached toward the sky like pillars of hope, and the city around it buzzed with life even from afar. Roads stretched outward like veins, carrying wagons, travelers, and merchants toward the heart of the kingdom.
It was nothing like the cold stone halls of his old home.
This place felt alive.
Warm.
Welcoming.
For the first time since his death, Lars felt something stir quietly in his chest.
Not fear.
Not confusion.
Hope.
A new kingdom.
A new life.
A new chance to build something real.
He didn't know what awaited him beyond those walls. He didn't know who he could trust, or what role he would play in this world.
But he knew one thing.
This was only the beginning.
And the road ahead would decide the kind of family he would create.
Lars' eyes moved from one face to the next, trying to memorize them. These were the first people he had met in this new life. The first voices he had heard. The first hands that had carried him out of danger.
The man in white-and-gold armor gave a small nod.
"You look more alert now," he said in a calm, steady voice. "That's good."
He placed a hand lightly over his chest.
"My name is Gallant Valcrest. Knight of the Wilds Guild."
He gestured toward the large man beside him.
"This is Osbin Durnhart. Also a knight of the guild."
Osbin crossed his arms, giving Lars a brief nod. "Try not to pass out again. Carrying you wasn't exactly light work."
Despite his rough tone, there was no real hostility in his voice.
Gallant continued, pointing to the robed young man.
"That's Tobi Arclain. Our mage."
Tobi gave a small, polite bow of his head. "Pleasure to meet you. I hope you're feeling better."
Finally, Gallant motioned toward the woman.
"And our scout, Rin Solenne."
Rin smiled warmly. "Glad you're awake. You had us worried for a bit."
Lars blinked, taking in the names one by one.
Valcrest.
Durnhart.
Arclain.
Solenne.
They sounded… important. Not just simple names, but ones that might belong to long-standing families. Noble houses, perhaps. Or respected bloodlines tied to guilds and history.
He pushed the thought aside for now.
Gallant straightened slightly.
"We're members of the Wilds Guild," he said. "One of the four S-rank guilds in the Kingdom of Solaris. We were on a material retrieval quest when we sensed a large disturbance in the forest."
Osbin scratched his beard. "Big one. Felt it from a mile away."
Rin's expression softened as she looked at Lars. "When we reached the clearing, we found you… and the dead feral gray."
Tobi adjusted his glasses. "Which brings us to the important question."
All four of them looked at him now.
Not threateningly.
But expectantly.
Gallant spoke again, his tone calm but serious.
"Do you remember anything before you lost consciousness?"
Lars' heart skipped.
This was the moment.
His thoughts began to race.
What should I say?
If he told them the truth—
That he had just been reborn…
That he came from another world…
That he had somehow killed that beast with power he didn't understand…
They might think he was insane.
Or dangerous.
Or worse.
But if I lie… what kind of lie would even make sense?
He knew nothing about this world. No geography. No noble houses. No cities or regions. Any false story could easily collapse under a few simple questions.
I need to be careful, he thought.
One wrong move, and I could lose their trust… or my freedom.
His fingers curled slightly against the grass as he weighed his options.
Truth?
Lie?
Half-truth?
For now, he needed to play his cards right.
Because these four strangers…
Were the first potential allies he had in this new world.
The four adventurers watched him patiently, waiting for his answer.
Lars swallowed softly. Their eyes weren't hostile, but they were sharp. Experienced. These were people used to danger, used to deception, used to reading others.
He chose his words carefully.
"…I'm not entirely sure how I got there," he said, his voice still a little weak. "Everything before I woke up in the forest feels… unclear. I have a lot of questions myself."
It wasn't a complete lie.
He truly didn't know how he had ended up in that world, in that forest, in that new body.
But as soon as the words left his mouth, another realization struck him.
He hadn't introduced himself.
And even in this unfamiliar world, the habits of his past life were hard to forget. He had been raised a noble. Etiquette, respect, and proper introductions had been drilled into him since childhood.
He straightened slightly, despite the fatigue in his limbs.
"My apologies," he said, lowering his head politely. "I should have introduced myself first."
The group watched with mild surprise at the formal tone.
"My name is… Lars," he began.
For a split second, his mind froze.
My last name…
If he used his real one—Torakuma—it might attract attention. Questions. Perhaps even enemies, if his brother or family somehow existed in this world as well. He knew nothing about the political landscape here.
He needed something safe.
Something believable.
Something that sounded noble, but not too famous.
The name formed in his mind almost instinctively.
"…Lars Silverwing."
The words left his mouth smoothly, as though he had carried them all his life.
The group exchanged quick glances.
"Silverwing…" Tobi murmured, adjusting his glasses. "That sounds familiar, but…"
Osbin scratched his beard. "Doesn't ring any bells for me."
Gallant frowned slightly, clearly searching his memory. "I don't recall a noble house by that name in Solaris."
Rin tilted her head. "Maybe from another kingdom?"
"That's possible," Tobi said. "We don't exactly keep track of every foreign noble family."
Still, none of them could recall a household called Silverwing.
Rin stepped a little closer to Lars, her tone gentle but curious.
"So, Lars… where are you from?"
Lars hesitated.
"I'm… not from around this area," he said carefully.
Osbin raised a brow. "That much is obvious."
Rin shot him a look, then returned her attention to Lars. "Do you remember the name of your home? A region? A city?"
Lars shook his head slowly. "No. I only know that it wasn't here."
That wasn't a lie either.
He truly wasn't from this world at all.
Tobi folded his arms. "Strange. A noble with no clear origin, found deep inside a restricted forest."
Osbin let out a low grunt. "Kid's more mystery than man."
Gallant exhaled quietly, then spoke with calm authority.
"We're not going to get the full story out here on the road."
Rin nodded. "Agreed. We should let the Guild Master decide how to handle this."
Tobi looked at Lars again. "Yes. Guild Master Raiyo will know what to do. If anyone can make sense of this situation, it's him."
Osbin shrugged. "Works for me. Less headache that way."
The decision seemed final. None of them pressed Lars further.
A quiet sense of relief washed over him.
They're not pushing…
At least for now, his answer had been enough.
The group resumed walking, and the road ahead began to widen. The massive stone walls of the Kingdom of Solaris now stood much closer, towering above the surrounding fields. Guards could be seen moving along the battlements, and the great gates stood open to the flow of merchants, travelers, and wagons entering the city.
Lars lifted his eyes toward the walls.
They were almost there.
And whatever awaited him inside those gates…
Would shape the beginning of his new life.
The massive stone walls of the Kingdom of Solaris rose before them, tall and unyielding beneath the golden sunlight. Guards patrolled the battlements above, their armor glinting as wagons, merchants, and travelers passed through the open gates below.
The road had led them safely out of the forest.
But whatever waited inside those walls was another world entirely.
Lars stared up at the towering entrance, his thoughts swirling.
A new name.
A new kingdom.
A new life built on uncertain truths.
For now, he was no longer Lars Torakuma.
He was Lars Silverwing.
And the gates of Solaris were about to open to him.